Josephine de Beauharnais as Empress c. 1804 - 1809

Curator: This miniature portrait, attributed to Jean-Baptiste Isabey, presents Josephine de Beauharnais as Empress. It’s small, just about two inches in diameter, but it radiates power. Editor: She seems so composed, almost understated, despite the opulent crown and jewels. Is it meant to suggest something about her character, or is that just the conventions of portraiture? Curator: I think the symbols here are carefully chosen. The crown, of course, signifies her imperial status, but the natural setting hints at a connection to the land, a grounding of her power. Editor: I see a tension, though. She's framed by nature, yes, but also confined by that ornate, golden frame. It speaks to the constraints placed upon women, even those in positions of power, within a patriarchal structure. Curator: Perhaps. Or it suggests that even Empress Josephine, surrounded by symbols of rule, is still, at heart, connected to the earth. Editor: Either way, it's a compelling glimpse into the construction—and perhaps the limitations—of female power in that era. Curator: It's a powerful reminder that even the most iconic symbols are open to interpretation. Editor: Exactly, and that’s why we keep looking!